WMG settles with Bertelsmann over Napster

Warner Music Group (WMG) has settled a long-running dispute with media giant Bertelsmann over the latter's relationship with Napster.

Both firms have resolved legal claims relating to WMG's recorded music and music publishing businesses.

According to a US Securities and Exchange Commission filing, Bertelsmann will cough up $110m to WMG.

In a statement issued by WMG, it said that Bertelsmann "admits no liability in making this settlement".

In separate lawsuits by several music publishers including WMG, Universal, and EMI Group, Bertelsmann had been accused of profiting illegally from Napster's music service from 2000 to 2001, but the German-based company had always insisted that its investment in Napster only happened after the P2P website went legit.

A settlement was reached with Universal to the tune of $60m in June 2006 and with EMI Group in March this year in an undisclosed deal. ®